US20120199458A1 - Key switch device and keyboard - Google Patents
Key switch device and keyboard Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120199458A1 US20120199458A1 US13/367,752 US201213367752A US2012199458A1 US 20120199458 A1 US20120199458 A1 US 20120199458A1 US 201213367752 A US201213367752 A US 201213367752A US 2012199458 A1 US2012199458 A1 US 2012199458A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- sheet
- key
- switch device
- key switch
- thin film
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Links
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Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
- H01H3/02—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
- H01H3/12—Push-buttons
- H01H3/122—Push-buttons with enlarged actuating area, e.g. of the elongated bar-type; Stabilising means therefor
- H01H3/125—Push-buttons with enlarged actuating area, e.g. of the elongated bar-type; Stabilising means therefor using a scissor mechanism as stabiliser
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/02—Details
- H01H13/12—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
- H01H13/14—Operating parts, e.g. push-button
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/02—Details
- H01H13/26—Snap-action arrangements depending upon deformation of elastic members
- H01H13/36—Snap-action arrangements depending upon deformation of elastic members using flexing of blade springs
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
- H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2203/00—Form of contacts
- H01H2203/036—Form of contacts to solve particular problems
- H01H2203/038—Form of contacts to solve particular problems to be bridged by a dome shaped contact
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2227/00—Dimensions; Characteristics
- H01H2227/036—Minimise height
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a key-entry type switch device (hereinafter referred to as a key switch device) subjected to a key-entry operation, and more particularly to a key switch device which may preferably be used for a keyboard incorporated as an input device in electronic equipment.
- the present invention also relates to a keyboard provided with a plurality of key switch devices.
- a thin or low-profile type keyboard has been incorporated in, for example, a notebook type personal computer or other electronic apparatuses.
- the keyboard is provided with a plurality of key switch devices for a key-entry operation.
- a gear link-type key switch device is provided with a support plate, a key top arranged above the support plate, a pair of link members connected to the key top and interlocked with each other to guide a vertical or upward-and-downward motion of the key top above the support plate, and a membrane sheet switch capable opening and closing a contact section of an electrical circuit in accordance with the vertical motion of the key top.
- the link members are secured to the support plate by, for example, a frame-shaped housing.
- the support plate is attached at the front surface thereof to the back surface of the membrane sheet switch.
- Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2009-76321 (JP2009-76321A), Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Publication (Kokai) No. 5-66832 (JP5-66832U), and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 9-27235 (JP9-27235A) describe conventional key switch devices.
- the support plate is formed from a metal material, such as a sheet metal or a stainless steel. Therefore, the support plate must have rigidity sufficient to prevent permanent deformation or breakage even when, for example, the support plate is subjected to a stress during the manufacturing or transporting process of a keyboard. Otherwise, a keyboard having a permanently deformed or broken support plate cannot be used as a finished product. Therefore, the support plate is required to have a certain extent of thickness for ensuring the rigidity. However, the thickness may impede reduction in weight and height of a key switch device.
- a key switch device comprising a key top; a pair of link members connected to the key top, the pair of link members interlocked with each other to guide a vertical motion of the key top; a switch mechanism including a membrane sheet switch capable of opening and closing a contact section of an electrical circuit in accordance with the vertical motion of the key top; a flexible thin film sheet attached to the membrane sheet switch; and a housing attached to the thin film sheet, the housing adapted to connect the link members to the thin film sheet.
- the housing is attached to the flexible thin film sheet, and the thin film sheet can be flexibly deformed at the time of, for example, assembling the keyboard, so that the permanent deformation or breakage of the thin film sheet can be avoided.
- the thin film sheet does not require a high rigidity, so that the thickness of the thin film sheet can be extremely reduced. Therefore, it is possible to provide a key switch device or a keyboard, which can be reduced in weight and height, in comparison with a configuration in which a support plate formed from a metal material, such as a sheet metal or a stainless steel, is attached to a membrane sheet switch.
- a key switch device comprising a key top; a pair of link members connected to the key top, the pair of link members interlocked with each other to guide a vertical motion of the key top; a switch mechanism including a membrane sheet switch capable of opening and closing a contact section of an electrical circuit in accordance with the vertical motion of the key top; and a housing attached to the membrane sheet switch, the housing adapted to connect the link members to the membrane sheet switch.
- a further aspect of the present invention provides a keyboard comprising a plurality of key switch devices, each key switch device being defined above.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically depicting an external appearance of a notebook type personal computer as a specific example of electronic equipment
- FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a notebook type personal computer, in which a keyboard is detached from a main housing;
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically depicting a key switch device according to a first embodiment
- FIG. 4 is an assembled perspective view schematically depicting a part of the key switch device according to the first embodiment
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically depicting the key switch device according to the first embodiment
- FIG. 6 is another cross-sectional view schematically depicting the key switch device according to the first embodiment
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically depicting a housing
- FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view schematically depicting a key switch device according to a second embodiment
- FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically depicting the key switch device according to the second embodiment.
- FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view schematically depicting a key switch device according to a third embodiment
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically depicting the key switch device according to the third embodiment.
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically depicting a key switch device according to a fourth embodiment
- FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view schematically depicting a key switch device according to a fifth embodiment
- FIG. 14 is a side view schematically depicting a part of the key switch device according to the fifth embodiment, in an incompletely assembled state
- FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically depicting a part of the key switch device according to the fifth embodiment, in a completely assembled state;
- FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view schematically depicting a modification of a part of the completely assembled key switch device according to the fifth embodiment
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view depicting several steps of a process for forming a thin film sheet
- FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view schematically depicting a key switch device according to a sixth embodiment
- FIG. 19 is another exploded perspective view schematically depicting the key switch device according to the sixth embodiment.
- FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view schematically depicting a modification of a key switch device according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view schematically depicting another modification of a key switch device according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically depicting an external appearance of a notebook type personal computer 1 (hereinafter referred to as a “notebook personal computer 1 ”), as a specific example of electronic equipment.
- the notebook personal computer 1 is provided with a low-profile main housing 2 and a display housing 3 pivotably connected to the main housing 2 .
- Input devices such as a keyboard 4 and a pointing device 5 , are assembled on the surface of the main housing 2 .
- the keyboard 4 is, for example, fit into an opening 6 formed in the surface of the main housing 2 .
- the keyboard 4 is provided with a plurality of key switch devices 7 .
- the key switch devices 7 are arranged in a predetermined array in a common single plane defined on the keyboard 4 .
- an LCD (liquid crystal display) panel module 8 is assembled in the display housing 3 .
- the screen of the LCD panel module 8 is located inside a window 9 formed in the display housing 3 .
- a user operating the notebook personal computer 1 can confirm the operation of the notebook personal computer 1 based on a text or graphics displayed on the screen of the LCD panel module 8 .
- the display housing 3 may be laid on the main housing 2 by rotating the display housing 3 relative to the main housing 2 .
- the notebook personal computer 1 may be folded by laying the display housing 3 on the main housing 2 .
- FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the notebook personal computer 1 , in which the keyboard 4 is detached from the main housing 2 .
- the keyboard 4 is secured to a support plate 11 arranged in the opening 6 of the main housing 2 .
- the support plate 11 has a flat upper surface. Due to the flat surface of the support plate 11 , the flatness of the keyboard 4 can be ensured.
- the support plate 11 may be formed from a metal material, such as a stainless steel, or a resinous material, such as a plastic.
- a plurality of screws may be used for securing the keyboard 4 . The screws may be screwed into the support plate 11 via through holes (not shown) formed in the keyboard 4 .
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically depicting a key switch device 7 according to a first embodiment.
- FIG. 4 is an assembled perspective view schematically depicting a part of the key switch device 7 according to the first embodiment.
- the key switch device 7 is provided with a key top 12 , a pair of link members 13 , 13 connected to the key top 12 and interlocked with each other to guide a vertical or upward-and-downward motion of the key top 12 , a switch mechanism 15 capable of opening and closing a contact section 14 of an electrical circuit in accordance with the vertical motion of the key top 12 , a flexible thin film sheet 16 provided with an upper surface adapted to receive the switch mechanism 15 , and a housing 17 adapted to connect the link members 13 , 13 to the thin film sheet 16 .
- the key top 12 is a dish-like component having a rectangular shape as seen in a plan view.
- the key top 12 is provided on its top surface with an operating surface 12 a subjected to a key-entry operation by a user operating the notebook personal computer 1 .
- the housing 17 is a frame-like component having a rectangular profile as seen in a plan view.
- the link members 13 , 13 have shapes and dimensions identical to each other.
- the link members 13 , 13 are meshed in a gearing manner at the first ends thereof with each other and thus assembled together in an interlockable manner.
- the link members 13 , 13 have a V-shaped gear link configuration showing a V-shape as seen in a side view when the key top 12 is located at the upper limit position of the vertical motion.
- the switch mechanism 15 includes a membrane sheet switch 18 carrying the contact section 14 at a position beneath the key top 12 , and a rubber dome 19 as an actuating member disposed between the key top 12 and the contact section 14 .
- the flexible thin film sheet 16 is attached to the membrane sheet switch 18 .
- the rubber dome 19 acts to close the contact section 14 in accordance with the downward motion of the key top 12 .
- the membrane sheet switch 18 is provided with relief holes (e.g., a pair of relief holes 21 , 21 ) having shapes identical to each other and arranged at opposite sides of the rubber dome 19 .
- the relief holes 21 are formed to pass through the membrane sheet switch 18 .
- the housing 17 is bonded, at the inside of the relief holes 21 , 21 , to the top surface of the thin film sheet 16 by, for example, an adhesive 22 .
- the rubber dome 19 is disposed inside the frame-like housing 17 .
- the key top 12 , the housing 17 and the link members 13 , 13 may be respectively formed by integrally-molded or unitary components made of a resinous material, such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).
- the membrane sheet switch 18 may be made of a plastic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
- PET polyethylene terephthalate
- the rubber dome 19 may be made of an elastic resinous material, such as rubber.
- the thin film sheet 16 may be formed by a thin film made of a resinous material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), etc. The thickness of the thin film sheet 16 is set to, for example, 0.1 mm.
- each link member 13 includes a pair of arms 13 a , 13 a extending in a direction identical to and generally parallel to each other, and a trunk 13 b integrally connected to the arms 13 a , 13 a and interconnecting the arms 13 a , 13 a with each other.
- the arms 13 a , 13 a are provided at the first ends thereof with cylindrical pivot axles 24 , 24 formed to project coaxially with each other from the opposing inner sides of the arms 13 a and parallel to the trunk 13 b .
- the pivot axles 24 , 24 are adapted to be pivotably received in the bearing portions 23 of the housing 17 .
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically depicting the key switch device 7 according to the first embodiment.
- the arms 13 a , 13 a are provided at the second ends thereof with slide axles 25 , formed to project coaxially with each other from the mutually facing-away outer sides of the arms 13 a and oppositely and parallel to the trunk 13 b .
- the slide axles 25 , 25 are slidably received respectively in a pair of guide grooves 26 , 26 formed on the bottom or inner surface of the key top 12 .
- Each guide groove 26 is formed on a protrusion 27 projecting from the bottom surface of the key top 12 .
- the link members 13 , 13 can synchronously rotate about respective pivot axes 28 , 28 defined by the pivot axles 24 , 24 while accompanying the vertical motion of the key top 12 .
- each link member 13 a single tooth 31 is formed on the first end of one arm 13 a , and two teeth 32 are formed on the first end of the other arm 13 a .
- the single tooth 31 of one link member 13 is meshed with the two teeth 32 of the other link member 13 .
- the meshed engagement of the link members 13 , 13 is maintained during the rotating motion of the link members 13 , 13 caused by the vertical motion of the key top 12 .
- the key top 12 is located at an initial or unoperated position, the key top 12 is received on the top of the rubber dome 19 .
- FIG. 6 is another cross-sectional view schematically depicting the key switch device 7 according to the first embodiment
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically depicting the housing 17
- a plurality of flat faces 17 b extending in a common single plane are formed on the bottom surface of the housing 17 .
- the flat faces 17 b are formed on the bottom surface of the housing 17 at areas corresponding to four corners of the frame-like housing 17 and areas between the bearing portions 23 , 23 in the respective frame parts 17 a , 17 a .
- the housing 17 is bonded to the thin film sheet 16 at these flat faces 17 b .
- the adhesive 22 is applied to at least the regions of the top surface of the thin film sheet 16 for receiving the flat faces 17 b of the housing 17 .
- the membrane sheet switch 18 includes an upper sheet 18 a provided with a front or top surface adapted to receive the rubber dome 19 and an opposite back or bottom surface, a lower sheet 18 b provided with a front or top surface facing the back surface of the upper sheet 18 a , and a spacer sheet 18 c interposed between the back surface of the upper sheet 18 a and the front surface of the lower sheet 18 b .
- the spacer sheet 18 c is provided with a through hole 33 formed at a position corresponding to the rubber dome 19 .
- a contact 34 is formed at the back surface of the upper sheet 18 a at a position inside the through hole 33 .
- a contact 35 is formed at the front surface of the lower sheet 18 b at a position inside the through hole 33 .
- the contacts 34 , 35 face each other.
- the contacts 34 , 35 are individually connected respectively to wiring patterns (not shown).
- the contacts 34 , 35 constitute the aforementioned contact section 14 .
- the upper sheet 18 a , the lower sheet 18 b and the spacer sheet 18 c may be bonded to each other by, for example, an adhesive (not shown).
- the upper sheet 18 a , the lower sheet 18 b and the spacer sheet 18 c may be made of a plastic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
- PET polyethylene terephthalate
- the rubber dome 19 may be attached to the top surface of the membrane sheet switch 18 by, for example, an adhesive.
- the contacts 34 , 35 and wiring patterns may include a metal material, such as at least one of silver (Ag), copper (Cu) and aluminum (Al).
- the rubber dome 19 supports, by its top end, the key top 12 at the upper limit position of a key-entry stroke, in which the key top is spaced from the top surface of the membrane sheet switch 18 by a maximum distance.
- the key top 12 is positioned at an initial position.
- the contact section 14 of the membrane sheet switch 18 is in an opened state.
- the slide axle 25 of the link member 13 is held in the guide groove 26 .
- the arms 13 a , 13 a of the link members 13 , 13 represent an angled posture in which the arms mutually intersect at a predetermined minimum crossing angle as seen in a side view.
- the downward motion of the key top 12 causes the link members 13 , 13 to respectively rotate about the pivoting axes 28 , 28 thereof in mutually opposite directions.
- the slide axles 25 , 25 slide away from each other along the bottom surface of the key top 12 .
- the rubber dome 19 elastically deforms and stores an elastic recovery force.
- a projection 36 formed inside the rubber dome 19 presses the upper side contact 34 onto the lower side contact 35 .
- the contact section 14 is thereby closed.
- the arms 13 a , 13 a of the link members 13 , 13 represent an angled posture in which the arms mutually intersect at a predetermined maximum crossing angle as seen in a side view.
- the rubber dome 19 recovers its original form due to its elastic recovery force, and thereby the key top 12 moves upward. Due to the upward motion of the key top 12 , the link members 13 , 13 respectively rotate about the pivoting axes 28 , 28 thereof in mutually opposite directions.
- the slide axles 25 , 25 slide toward each other along the bottom surface of the key top 12 .
- the slide axles 25 are respectively held in the guide grooves 26 , 26 .
- the arms 13 a , 13 a of the link members 13 , 13 represent the angled posture in which the arms mutually intersect at the minimum crossing angle as seen in a side view. At this time, the contact section 14 is in an opened state.
- the key switch device 7 can establish key-entry operation properties accompanied by a so-called click feeling, such that when the downward displacement of the key top 12 exceeds a predetermined value, the elastic recovery force, which has been gradually increased until that time, is abruptly reduced.
- the housing 17 is attached to the thin film sheet 16 by, for example, the adhesive 22 .
- the thin film sheet 16 is formed from, for example, a flexible resinous sheet, so that the thin film sheet 16 can be flexibly deformed at the time of, for example, assembling the keyboard 4 or incorporating the keyboard 4 into the notebook personal computer 1 . As a result, the permanent deformation or breakage of the thin film sheet 16 can be avoided.
- the thin film sheet 16 does not require a high rigidity, so that the thickness of the thin film sheet 16 can be extremely reduced.
- a key switch device 7 or a keyboard 4 which can be reduced in weight and height, in comparison with a configuration in which a support plate formed from a metal material, such as a sheet metal or a stainless steel, is attached to a membrane sheet switch 18 . Further, the keyboard 4 is received by the flat support plate 11 arranged inside the opening 6 of the main housing 2 , so that, despite the thin film sheet 16 being flexible, an operation performance comparable with that of a conventional keyboard can be ensured.
- FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view schematically depicting a key switch device 7 a according to a second embodiment.
- FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically depicting the key switch device 7 a according to the second embodiment.
- a key top 12 is not depicted, and other components equivalent to the components of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.
- a plurality of (e.g., four) through holes 41 are formed at surface regions on a flexible thin film sheet 16 , to which an adhesive 22 is applied, so as to pass through the thin film sheet 16 .
- a plurality of (e.g., four) projections 42 are formed at positions corresponding to the positions of the through holes 41 , so as to project from the flat faces 17 b .
- the through holes 41 and projections 42 are formed in cylindrical shapes.
- the projections 42 are arranged at, for example, the four corners of the frame-like housing 17 .
- the housing 17 when the housing 17 is arranged on the thin film sheet 16 , the projections 42 of the housing 17 are received in the through holes 41 of the thin film sheet 16 .
- the key switch device 7 a when the key switch device 7 a is assembled, the housing 17 can be easily positioned on the thin film sheet 16 .
- the key top 12 can be easily positioned on a membrane sheet switch 18 .
- the flat faces 17 b of the housing 17 are bonded to the thin film sheet 16 by the adhesive 22 .
- the other configurations of the key switch device 7 a are similar to those of the first embodiment, and therefore the explanations thereof are not repeated. According to the key switch device 7 a , effects similar to those of the key switch device 7 can be realized.
- FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view schematically depicting a key switch device 7 b according to a third embodiment.
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically depicting the key switch device 7 b according to the third embodiment.
- the key switch device 7 b does not include the aforementioned thin film sheet 16 .
- a housing 17 is attached, at its flat faces 17 b , to the top surface of a membrane sheet switch 18 , more specifically, the top surface of an upper sheet 18 a , by, for example, an adhesive 22 .
- the housing 17 is adapted to connect link members 13 to the membrane sheet switch 18 .
- the thin film sheet 16 and the relief holes 21 can be omitted, so that it is possible to reduce the number of components of the key switch device 7 b . It is also possible to further reduce the weight and height of the key switch device 7 b in comparison with the key switch devices 7 , 7 a by the thickness of the omitted thin film sheet 16 . Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the key switch device 7 b and to simplify the configuration of the key switch device 7 b .
- the keyboard 4 is received by the flat support plate 11 arranged inside the opening 6 of the main housing 2 , so that, despite the membrane sheet switch 18 being flexible, an operation performance comparable with that of a conventional keyboard can be ensured.
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically depicting a key switch device 7 c according to a fourth embodiment.
- relief holes 43 are formed in an upper sheet 18 a and a spacer sheet 18 c of a membrane sheet switch 18 .
- the relief holes 43 are formed at, for example, positions around a contact section 14 .
- the housing 17 is attached to the portions of the lower sheet 18 b of the member sheet switch 18 , which are exposed at the inside of the relief holes 43 , by, for example, an adhesive.
- the key switch device 7 c it is possible to reduce the height of the key switch device 7 c , and therefore the height of the keyboard 4 , by the thicknesses of the upper sheet 18 a and the spacer sheet 18 c . As a result, the key switch device 7 c can further reduce the height of the keyboard 4 , in comparison with the key switch device 7 b.
- the housing 17 may be attached to the thin film sheet 16 or the membrane sheet switch 18 by using, for example, ultrasonic vibration, instead of the adhesive 22 , so as to weld the flat faces 17 b of the housing 17 to the thin film sheet 16 or the membrane sheet switch 18 .
- FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view schematically depicting a key switch device 7 d according to a fifth embodiment, in which a housing 17 has an initial or undeformed shape.
- FIG. 14 is a side view schematically depicting a part of the key switch device 7 d according to the fifth embodiment, in an incompletely assembled state.
- FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically depicting a part of the key switch device 7 d according to the fifth embodiment, in a completely assembled state.
- Components equivalent to the components of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.
- the housing 17 of the initial shape is provided with a plurality of (e.g., four) legs 44 projecting toward a thin film sheet 16 at, for example, the four corners of the housing.
- the leg 44 is formed in, for example, a frustoconical shape tapered toward the tip thereof.
- through holes 45 are formed in the thin film sheet 16 at positions corresponding to the legs 44 so as to pass through the thin film sheet 16 .
- the housing 17 is attached to the thin film sheet 16 by thermal caulking, in which the tips of the legs 44 are melted and deformed by heat.
- the legs 44 of the housing 17 are received in the through holes 45 of the thin film sheet 16 .
- the tips of the legs 44 penetrate through the through holes 45 and project from the bottom surface of the thin film sheet 16 .
- the tips of the legs 44 are melted by heat.
- the tips of the legs 44 are deformed to provide deformed portions 44 a extending along the bottom surface of the thin film sheet 16 . Due to the deformed portions 44 a , the housing 17 is simply and stably attached to the thin film sheet 16 .
- through holes 45 may be formed in the membrane sheet switch 18 . The housing 17 is thereby simply and stably attached to the membrane sheet switch 18 .
- the thin film sheet 16 may be provided with recesses 46 formed to receive the deformed portions 44 a of the legs 44 .
- the through holes 45 are formed in the recesses 46 . According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the deformed portions 44 a from projecting from the bottom surface of the thin film sheet 16 . As a result, it is possible to further reduce the height of the key switch device 7 , and therefore the height of the keyboard 4 .
- the recesses 46 may be formed in the thin film sheet 16 through, for example, a process depicted in FIG. 17 .
- a resinous sheet 47 is pressed against the top surface of a punch 49 provided with bumps 48 , the shapes of which correspond to the contours of the recesses 46 .
- step (b) depressions 51 are formed in the resinous sheet 47 by the bumps 48 , and the resinous sheet 47 with depressions 51 is removed from the punch 49 .
- step (c) the resinous sheet 47 with depressions 51 is pressed against the top surface of a punch 53 provided with bumps 52 for forming the through holes 45 in the depressions 51 , and the resinous sheet 47 with depressions 51 and through holes 45 is removed from the punch 53 .
- the thermal caulking as means for attaching the housing 22 may also be applied to the aforementioned key switch devices 7 , 7 a , 7 b and 7 c.
- FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 are exploded perspective views schematically depicting a key switch device 7 e according to a sixth embodiment. Components equivalent to the components of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.
- a housing 17 is divided into a pair of frame parts 17 a , 17 a .
- the frame parts 17 a , 17 a are bonded respectively to portions of a thin film sheet 16 , exposed at the inside of relief holes 21 , 21 of a membrane sheet switch 18 , by an adhesive.
- the other configurations of the key switch device 7 e are similar to those of the key switch device 7 , and therefore the explanations thereof are not repeated.
- the key switch device 7 e may be assembled through an outsert molding process of the frame parts 17 a , 17 a of the housing 17 performed on the thin film sheet 16 . More specifically, during the molding process of the housing 17 , the thin film sheet 16 is bonded to the housing 17 . According to the outsert molding, it is possible to easily attach the housing 17 to the thin film sheet 16 . After the outsert molding, a switch mechanism 15 is mounted to the thin film sheet 16 . The frame parts 17 a , 17 a are received in the relief holes 21 , 21 of the membrane sheet switch 18 . After that, pivot shafts 24 , 24 of link members 13 , 13 are fitted into bearing portions 23 , 23 of the frame parts 17 a , 17 a by, for example, the elastic deformation of the link members 13 , 13 .
- the thin film sheet 16 may be formed from an organic EL (electroluminescence) sheet.
- An organic EL sheet includes a light emitting layer. Due to the function of the light emitting layer, the organic EL sheet can emit light.
- the key top 12 may be formed from, for example, a transparent resinous material. The transparent plastic material may be painted, and thereafter, a portion of paint, corresponding to a letter or symbol, may be peeled off by etching.
- a keyboard 4 including the key switch device 7 , 7 a , 7 d or 7 e with the organic EL sheet it is possible to improve the visual recognition of the key top by a user at the time of operation in a dark location.
- an anti-static layer 55 may be formed on the surface of the membrane sheet switch 18 .
- the anti-static layer 55 may be made of, for example, a surfactant or other known anti-static agent.
- the anti-static layer 55 may be formed by, for example, applying the anti-static agent to the surface of the membrane sheet switch 18 .
- the anti-static layer 55 can act to suppress the generation of static electricity in the keyboard 4 .
- the anti-static layer 55 can also act to disperse any static electricity generated in the keyboard 4 into the atmosphere. As a result, it is possible to prevent the static electricity from flowing through the wiring patterns of the membrane sheet switch 18 . It is also possible to reduce the occurrence of noise at the wiring patterns.
- the anti-static layer 55 may be similarly incorporated in the key switch devices 7 a to 7 e.
- a conductive layer may be formed on the surface of the membrane sheet switch 18 , instead of the aforementioned anti-static layer 55 .
- the conductive layer may be made of, for example, a paint of silver (Ag), carbon (C) or other conductive material.
- the conductive layer may be formed by, for example, applying a paint of a paste-like conductive material to the surface of the membrane sheet switch 18 .
- the conductive layer can function as a ground for the membrane sheet switch 18 .
- the static electricity generated in the keyboard 4 can flow through the conductive layer.
- the conductive layer may be similarly incorporated in the key switch devices 7 a to 7 e.
- a conductive layer 56 may be formed on the surface of the thin film sheet 16 . More specifically, the conductive layer 56 may be formed between the top surface of the thin film sheet 16 and the back surface of the membrane sheet switch 18 .
- the conductive layer 56 may be made of, for example, aluminum (Al), copper (Cu) or other conductive material.
- the conductive layer 56 may be formed by, for example, applying a conductive material through a vapor depositing to the surface of the thin film sheet 16 , or attaching a sheet with a conductive material applied thereto through a vapor depositing. In this key switch device 7 , the conductive layer 56 can function as a ground for the membrane sheet switch 18 .
- the static electricity generated in the keyboard 4 can flow through the conductive layer 56 .
- the conductive layer 56 may be similarly incorporated in the key switch devices 7 a to 7 e . Further, the conductive layer 56 may be used, for example, together with the aforementioned anti-static layer 55 , and/or the aforementioned conductive layer formed on the membrane sheet switch 18 .
Landscapes
- Push-Button Switches (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a key-entry type switch device (hereinafter referred to as a key switch device) subjected to a key-entry operation, and more particularly to a key switch device which may preferably be used for a keyboard incorporated as an input device in electronic equipment. The present invention also relates to a keyboard provided with a plurality of key switch devices.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- A thin or low-profile type keyboard has been incorporated in, for example, a notebook type personal computer or other electronic apparatuses. The keyboard is provided with a plurality of key switch devices for a key-entry operation. For example, a gear link-type key switch device is provided with a support plate, a key top arranged above the support plate, a pair of link members connected to the key top and interlocked with each other to guide a vertical or upward-and-downward motion of the key top above the support plate, and a membrane sheet switch capable opening and closing a contact section of an electrical circuit in accordance with the vertical motion of the key top. The link members are secured to the support plate by, for example, a frame-shaped housing. The support plate is attached at the front surface thereof to the back surface of the membrane sheet switch.
- For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2009-76321 (JP2009-76321A), Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Publication (Kokai) No. 5-66832 (JP5-66832U), and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 9-27235 (JP9-27235A) describe conventional key switch devices.
- In the conventional key switch device, the support plate is formed from a metal material, such as a sheet metal or a stainless steel. Therefore, the support plate must have rigidity sufficient to prevent permanent deformation or breakage even when, for example, the support plate is subjected to a stress during the manufacturing or transporting process of a keyboard. Otherwise, a keyboard having a permanently deformed or broken support plate cannot be used as a finished product. Therefore, the support plate is required to have a certain extent of thickness for ensuring the rigidity. However, the thickness may impede reduction in weight and height of a key switch device.
- It is desired to provide a key switch device and a keyboard, which can be reduced in weight and height thereof.
- One aspect of the present invention provides a key switch device comprising a key top; a pair of link members connected to the key top, the pair of link members interlocked with each other to guide a vertical motion of the key top; a switch mechanism including a membrane sheet switch capable of opening and closing a contact section of an electrical circuit in accordance with the vertical motion of the key top; a flexible thin film sheet attached to the membrane sheet switch; and a housing attached to the thin film sheet, the housing adapted to connect the link members to the thin film sheet.
- According to the above configuration, the housing is attached to the flexible thin film sheet, and the thin film sheet can be flexibly deformed at the time of, for example, assembling the keyboard, so that the permanent deformation or breakage of the thin film sheet can be avoided. The thin film sheet does not require a high rigidity, so that the thickness of the thin film sheet can be extremely reduced. Therefore, it is possible to provide a key switch device or a keyboard, which can be reduced in weight and height, in comparison with a configuration in which a support plate formed from a metal material, such as a sheet metal or a stainless steel, is attached to a membrane sheet switch.
- Another aspect of the present invention provides a key switch device comprising a key top; a pair of link members connected to the key top, the pair of link members interlocked with each other to guide a vertical motion of the key top; a switch mechanism including a membrane sheet switch capable of opening and closing a contact section of an electrical circuit in accordance with the vertical motion of the key top; and a housing attached to the membrane sheet switch, the housing adapted to connect the link members to the membrane sheet switch.
- A further aspect of the present invention provides a keyboard comprising a plurality of key switch devices, each key switch device being defined above.
- The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically depicting an external appearance of a notebook type personal computer as a specific example of electronic equipment; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a notebook type personal computer, in which a keyboard is detached from a main housing; -
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically depicting a key switch device according to a first embodiment; -
FIG. 4 is an assembled perspective view schematically depicting a part of the key switch device according to the first embodiment; -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically depicting the key switch device according to the first embodiment; -
FIG. 6 is another cross-sectional view schematically depicting the key switch device according to the first embodiment; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically depicting a housing; -
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view schematically depicting a key switch device according to a second embodiment; -
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically depicting the key switch device according to the second embodiment; -
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view schematically depicting a key switch device according to a third embodiment; -
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically depicting the key switch device according to the third embodiment; -
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically depicting a key switch device according to a fourth embodiment; -
FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view schematically depicting a key switch device according to a fifth embodiment; -
FIG. 14 is a side view schematically depicting a part of the key switch device according to the fifth embodiment, in an incompletely assembled state; -
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically depicting a part of the key switch device according to the fifth embodiment, in a completely assembled state; -
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view schematically depicting a modification of a part of the completely assembled key switch device according to the fifth embodiment; -
FIG. 17 is a perspective view depicting several steps of a process for forming a thin film sheet; -
FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view schematically depicting a key switch device according to a sixth embodiment; -
FIG. 19 is another exploded perspective view schematically depicting the key switch device according to the sixth embodiment; -
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view schematically depicting a modification of a key switch device according to an embodiment; and -
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view schematically depicting another modification of a key switch device according to an embodiment. - The embodiments of the present invention are described below, in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or similar components are denoted by common reference numerals.
- Referring to the drawings,
FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically depicting an external appearance of a notebook type personal computer 1 (hereinafter referred to as a “notebook personal computer 1”), as a specific example of electronic equipment. The notebook personal computer 1 is provided with a low-profilemain housing 2 and adisplay housing 3 pivotably connected to themain housing 2. Input devices, such as akeyboard 4 and apointing device 5, are assembled on the surface of themain housing 2. Thekeyboard 4 is, for example, fit into anopening 6 formed in the surface of themain housing 2. Thekeyboard 4 is provided with a plurality ofkey switch devices 7. Thekey switch devices 7 are arranged in a predetermined array in a common single plane defined on thekeyboard 4. - In the
display housing 3, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display)panel module 8 is assembled. The screen of theLCD panel module 8 is located inside awindow 9 formed in thedisplay housing 3. A user operating the notebook personal computer 1 can confirm the operation of the notebook personal computer 1 based on a text or graphics displayed on the screen of theLCD panel module 8. Thedisplay housing 3 may be laid on themain housing 2 by rotating thedisplay housing 3 relative to themain housing 2. The notebook personal computer 1 may be folded by laying thedisplay housing 3 on themain housing 2. -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the notebook personal computer 1, in which thekeyboard 4 is detached from themain housing 2. As clearly depicted inFIG. 2 , thekeyboard 4 is secured to asupport plate 11 arranged in the opening 6 of themain housing 2. Thesupport plate 11 has a flat upper surface. Due to the flat surface of thesupport plate 11, the flatness of thekeyboard 4 can be ensured. Thesupport plate 11 may be formed from a metal material, such as a stainless steel, or a resinous material, such as a plastic. For securing thekeyboard 4, for example, a plurality of screws (not shown) may be used. The screws may be screwed into thesupport plate 11 via through holes (not shown) formed in thekeyboard 4. -
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically depicting akey switch device 7 according to a first embodiment.FIG. 4 is an assembled perspective view schematically depicting a part of thekey switch device 7 according to the first embodiment. As depicted inFIGS. 3 and 4 , thekey switch device 7 is provided with a key top 12, a pair oflink members switch mechanism 15 capable of opening and closing acontact section 14 of an electrical circuit in accordance with the vertical motion of the key top 12, a flexiblethin film sheet 16 provided with an upper surface adapted to receive theswitch mechanism 15, and ahousing 17 adapted to connect thelink members thin film sheet 16. - The key top 12 is a dish-like component having a rectangular shape as seen in a plan view. The key top 12 is provided on its top surface with an operating
surface 12 a subjected to a key-entry operation by a user operating the notebook personal computer 1. Thehousing 17 is a frame-like component having a rectangular profile as seen in a plan view. Thelink members link members link members - The
switch mechanism 15 includes amembrane sheet switch 18 carrying thecontact section 14 at a position beneath the key top 12, and arubber dome 19 as an actuating member disposed between the key top 12 and thecontact section 14. The flexiblethin film sheet 16 is attached to themembrane sheet switch 18. Therubber dome 19 acts to close thecontact section 14 in accordance with the downward motion of thekey top 12. Themembrane sheet switch 18 is provided with relief holes (e.g., a pair ofrelief holes 21, 21) having shapes identical to each other and arranged at opposite sides of therubber dome 19. The relief holes 21 are formed to pass through themembrane sheet switch 18. Thehousing 17 is bonded, at the inside of the relief holes 21, 21, to the top surface of thethin film sheet 16 by, for example, an adhesive 22. Therubber dome 19 is disposed inside the frame-like housing 17. - The key top 12, the
housing 17 and thelink members membrane sheet switch 18 may be made of a plastic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Therubber dome 19 may be made of an elastic resinous material, such as rubber. Thethin film sheet 16 may be formed by a thin film made of a resinous material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), etc. The thickness of thethin film sheet 16 is set to, for example, 0.1 mm. - As clearly depicted in
FIGS. 3 and 4 , thehousing 17 is provided with a pair of bearingportions 23 formed at the bottom surface of each of a pair offrame parts portion 23 is formed to pass through the frame part in a lateral or horizontal direction so as to communicate the inside and outside of the frame-like housing 17. On the other hand, eachlink member 13 includes a pair ofarms trunk 13 b integrally connected to thearms arms arms cylindrical pivot axles arms 13 a and parallel to thetrunk 13 b. The pivot axles 24, 24 are adapted to be pivotably received in the bearingportions 23 of thehousing 17. -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically depicting thekey switch device 7 according to the first embodiment. Referring toFIG. 5 , thearms slide axles 25, formed to project coaxially with each other from the mutually facing-away outer sides of thearms 13 a and oppositely and parallel to thetrunk 13 b. The slide axles 25, 25 are slidably received respectively in a pair ofguide grooves key top 12. Eachguide groove 26 is formed on aprotrusion 27 projecting from the bottom surface of thekey top 12. As explained later, thelink members pivot axles key top 12. - In each
link member 13, asingle tooth 31 is formed on the first end of onearm 13 a, and twoteeth 32 are formed on the first end of theother arm 13 a. Thesingle tooth 31 of onelink member 13 is meshed with the twoteeth 32 of theother link member 13. The meshed engagement of thelink members link members key top 12. As clearly depicted inFIG. 5 , when the key top 12 is located at an initial or unoperated position, the key top 12 is received on the top of therubber dome 19. -
FIG. 6 is another cross-sectional view schematically depicting thekey switch device 7 according to the first embodiment, andFIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically depicting thehousing 17. Referring toFIGS. 6 and 7 , a plurality offlat faces 17 b extending in a common single plane are formed on the bottom surface of thehousing 17. For example, the flat faces 17 b are formed on the bottom surface of thehousing 17 at areas corresponding to four corners of the frame-like housing 17 and areas between the bearingportions respective frame parts housing 17 is bonded to thethin film sheet 16 at theseflat faces 17 b. As clearly depicted inFIG. 3 , the adhesive 22 is applied to at least the regions of the top surface of thethin film sheet 16 for receiving the flat faces 17 b of thehousing 17. - The
membrane sheet switch 18 includes anupper sheet 18 a provided with a front or top surface adapted to receive therubber dome 19 and an opposite back or bottom surface, alower sheet 18 b provided with a front or top surface facing the back surface of theupper sheet 18 a, and aspacer sheet 18 c interposed between the back surface of theupper sheet 18 a and the front surface of thelower sheet 18 b. Thespacer sheet 18 c is provided with a throughhole 33 formed at a position corresponding to therubber dome 19. Acontact 34 is formed at the back surface of theupper sheet 18 a at a position inside the throughhole 33. Acontact 35 is formed at the front surface of thelower sheet 18 b at a position inside the throughhole 33. Thecontacts contacts contacts aforementioned contact section 14. - The
upper sheet 18 a, thelower sheet 18 b and thespacer sheet 18 c may be bonded to each other by, for example, an adhesive (not shown). Theupper sheet 18 a, thelower sheet 18 b and thespacer sheet 18 c may be made of a plastic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Therubber dome 19 may be attached to the top surface of themembrane sheet switch 18 by, for example, an adhesive. Thecontacts - The situation where the user of the notebook personal computer 1 performs a key-entry operation so as to push down the key top 12, will be described below. When no external force is applied to the key top 12, the
rubber dome 19 supports, by its top end, the key top 12 at the upper limit position of a key-entry stroke, in which the key top is spaced from the top surface of themembrane sheet switch 18 by a maximum distance. Thus, the key top 12 is positioned at an initial position. At this time, thecontact section 14 of themembrane sheet switch 18 is in an opened state. Theslide axle 25 of thelink member 13 is held in theguide groove 26. Thearms link members - When the user applies an external force to the key top 12 and pushes down the key top 12, the downward motion of the key top 12 causes the
link members key top 12. At this time, therubber dome 19 elastically deforms and stores an elastic recovery force. When the key top 12 is positioned at the lower limit position of the key-entry stroke, in which the key top is spaced from the top surface of themembrane sheet switch 18 by a minimum distance, aprojection 36 formed inside therubber dome 19 presses theupper side contact 34 onto thelower side contact 35. Thecontact section 14 is thereby closed. At this time, thearms link members - When the external force applied to the key top 12 is released, the
rubber dome 19 recovers its original form due to its elastic recovery force, and thereby the key top 12 moves upward. Due to the upward motion of the key top 12, thelink members key top 12. When therubber dome 19 recovers its original form, the key top 12 reaches the initial position. The slide axles 25, are respectively held in theguide grooves arms link members contact section 14 is in an opened state. - In the above key-entry operation, while an external force is applied to the key top 12, the
rubber dome 19 exerts an elastic recovery force on the key top 12, which assumes non-linear relationship with the downward displacement of thekey top 12. As a result, thekey switch device 7 can establish key-entry operation properties accompanied by a so-called click feeling, such that when the downward displacement of the key top 12 exceeds a predetermined value, the elastic recovery force, which has been gradually increased until that time, is abruptly reduced. - In the
above keyboard 4, thehousing 17 is attached to thethin film sheet 16 by, for example, the adhesive 22. Thethin film sheet 16 is formed from, for example, a flexible resinous sheet, so that thethin film sheet 16 can be flexibly deformed at the time of, for example, assembling thekeyboard 4 or incorporating thekeyboard 4 into the notebook personal computer 1. As a result, the permanent deformation or breakage of thethin film sheet 16 can be avoided. Thethin film sheet 16 does not require a high rigidity, so that the thickness of thethin film sheet 16 can be extremely reduced. Therefore, it is possible to provide akey switch device 7 or akeyboard 4, which can be reduced in weight and height, in comparison with a configuration in which a support plate formed from a metal material, such as a sheet metal or a stainless steel, is attached to amembrane sheet switch 18. Further, thekeyboard 4 is received by theflat support plate 11 arranged inside theopening 6 of themain housing 2, so that, despite thethin film sheet 16 being flexible, an operation performance comparable with that of a conventional keyboard can be ensured. -
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view schematically depicting akey switch device 7 a according to a second embodiment.FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically depicting thekey switch device 7 a according to the second embodiment. InFIG. 8 , a key top 12 is not depicted, and other components equivalent to the components of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. In thekey switch device 7 a, a plurality of (e.g., four) throughholes 41 are formed at surface regions on a flexiblethin film sheet 16, to which an adhesive 22 is applied, so as to pass through thethin film sheet 16. On the other hand, on the flat faces 17 b of ahousing 17, a plurality of (e.g., four)projections 42 are formed at positions corresponding to the positions of the throughholes 41, so as to project from the flat faces 17 b. The through holes 41 andprojections 42 are formed in cylindrical shapes. Theprojections 42 are arranged at, for example, the four corners of the frame-like housing 17. - As clearly depicted in
FIG. 9 , when thehousing 17 is arranged on thethin film sheet 16, theprojections 42 of thehousing 17 are received in the throughholes 41 of thethin film sheet 16. In this way, when thekey switch device 7 a is assembled, thehousing 17 can be easily positioned on thethin film sheet 16. Thus, the key top 12 can be easily positioned on amembrane sheet switch 18. The flat faces 17 b of thehousing 17 are bonded to thethin film sheet 16 by the adhesive 22. The other configurations of thekey switch device 7 a are similar to those of the first embodiment, and therefore the explanations thereof are not repeated. According to thekey switch device 7 a, effects similar to those of thekey switch device 7 can be realized. -
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view schematically depicting akey switch device 7 b according to a third embodiment.FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically depicting thekey switch device 7 b according to the third embodiment. Components equivalent to the components of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Thekey switch device 7 b does not include the aforementionedthin film sheet 16. Ahousing 17 is attached, at its flat faces 17 b, to the top surface of amembrane sheet switch 18, more specifically, the top surface of anupper sheet 18 a, by, for example, an adhesive 22. Thehousing 17 is adapted to connectlink members 13 to themembrane sheet switch 18. Thus, it is possible to omit to form the aforementioned relief holes 21, 21 in themembrane sheet switch 18. As a result, it is possible to easily manufacture themembrane sheet switch 18. - According to the
key switch device 7 b, thethin film sheet 16 and the relief holes 21 can be omitted, so that it is possible to reduce the number of components of thekey switch device 7 b. It is also possible to further reduce the weight and height of thekey switch device 7 b in comparison with thekey switch devices thin film sheet 16. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of thekey switch device 7 b and to simplify the configuration of thekey switch device 7 b. Thekeyboard 4 is received by theflat support plate 11 arranged inside theopening 6 of themain housing 2, so that, despite themembrane sheet switch 18 being flexible, an operation performance comparable with that of a conventional keyboard can be ensured. -
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically depicting akey switch device 7 c according to a fourth embodiment. Components equivalent to the components of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. In thekey switch device 7 c, relief holes 43 are formed in anupper sheet 18 a and aspacer sheet 18 c of amembrane sheet switch 18. The relief holes 43 are formed at, for example, positions around acontact section 14. Thehousing 17 is attached to the portions of thelower sheet 18 b of themember sheet switch 18, which are exposed at the inside of the relief holes 43, by, for example, an adhesive. In thekey switch device 7 c, it is possible to reduce the height of thekey switch device 7 c, and therefore the height of thekeyboard 4, by the thicknesses of theupper sheet 18 a and thespacer sheet 18 c. As a result, thekey switch device 7 c can further reduce the height of thekeyboard 4, in comparison with thekey switch device 7 b. - In the above
key switch devices housing 17 may be attached to thethin film sheet 16 or themembrane sheet switch 18 by using, for example, ultrasonic vibration, instead of the adhesive 22, so as to weld the flat faces 17 b of thehousing 17 to thethin film sheet 16 or themembrane sheet switch 18. -
FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view schematically depicting akey switch device 7 d according to a fifth embodiment, in which ahousing 17 has an initial or undeformed shape.FIG. 14 is a side view schematically depicting a part of thekey switch device 7 d according to the fifth embodiment, in an incompletely assembled state.FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically depicting a part of thekey switch device 7 d according to the fifth embodiment, in a completely assembled state. Components equivalent to the components of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. In thekey switch device 7 d, as clearly depicted inFIG. 13 , thehousing 17 of the initial shape is provided with a plurality of (e.g., four)legs 44 projecting toward athin film sheet 16 at, for example, the four corners of the housing. Theleg 44 is formed in, for example, a frustoconical shape tapered toward the tip thereof. On the other hand, throughholes 45 are formed in thethin film sheet 16 at positions corresponding to thelegs 44 so as to pass through thethin film sheet 16. - The
housing 17 is attached to thethin film sheet 16 by thermal caulking, in which the tips of thelegs 44 are melted and deformed by heat. As depicted inFIG. 14 , before performing the thermal caulking, thelegs 44 of thehousing 17 are received in the throughholes 45 of thethin film sheet 16. The tips of thelegs 44 penetrate through the throughholes 45 and project from the bottom surface of thethin film sheet 16. In this state, the tips of thelegs 44 are melted by heat. As a result, as depicted inFIG. 15 , the tips of thelegs 44 are deformed to providedeformed portions 44 a extending along the bottom surface of thethin film sheet 16. Due to thedeformed portions 44 a, thehousing 17 is simply and stably attached to thethin film sheet 16. In the aforementionedkey switch device 7 b, in which thethin film sheet 16 is omitted, throughholes 45 may be formed in themembrane sheet switch 18. Thehousing 17 is thereby simply and stably attached to themembrane sheet switch 18. - As depicted in
FIG. 16 , thethin film sheet 16 may be provided withrecesses 46 formed to receive thedeformed portions 44 a of thelegs 44. In this case, the throughholes 45 are formed in therecesses 46. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent thedeformed portions 44 a from projecting from the bottom surface of thethin film sheet 16. As a result, it is possible to further reduce the height of thekey switch device 7, and therefore the height of thekeyboard 4. - The
recesses 46 may be formed in thethin film sheet 16 through, for example, a process depicted inFIG. 17 . In step (a), aresinous sheet 47 is pressed against the top surface of apunch 49 provided withbumps 48, the shapes of which correspond to the contours of therecesses 46. In step (b), depressions 51 are formed in theresinous sheet 47 by thebumps 48, and theresinous sheet 47 with depressions 51 is removed from thepunch 49. In step (c), theresinous sheet 47 with depressions 51 is pressed against the top surface of apunch 53 provided withbumps 52 for forming the throughholes 45 in the depressions 51, and theresinous sheet 47 with depressions 51 and throughholes 45 is removed from thepunch 53. In this way, athin film sheet 16 provided with therecesses 46 and the throughholes 45 is obtained. In this connection, the thermal caulking as means for attaching thehousing 22 may also be applied to the aforementionedkey switch devices -
FIG. 18 andFIG. 19 are exploded perspective views schematically depicting akey switch device 7 e according to a sixth embodiment. Components equivalent to the components of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. As depicted inFIG. 18 , in thekey switch device 7 e, ahousing 17 is divided into a pair offrame parts frame parts thin film sheet 16, exposed at the inside ofrelief holes membrane sheet switch 18, by an adhesive. The other configurations of thekey switch device 7 e are similar to those of thekey switch device 7, and therefore the explanations thereof are not repeated. - As depicted in
FIG. 19 , thekey switch device 7 e may be assembled through an outsert molding process of theframe parts housing 17 performed on thethin film sheet 16. More specifically, during the molding process of thehousing 17, thethin film sheet 16 is bonded to thehousing 17. According to the outsert molding, it is possible to easily attach thehousing 17 to thethin film sheet 16. After the outsert molding, aswitch mechanism 15 is mounted to thethin film sheet 16. Theframe parts membrane sheet switch 18. After that,pivot shafts link members portions frame parts link members - Various changes or modifications may be made in the inventive key switch. For example, in the above
key switch devices thin film sheet 16 may be formed from an organic EL (electroluminescence) sheet. An organic EL sheet includes a light emitting layer. Due to the function of the light emitting layer, the organic EL sheet can emit light. In thekey switch devices keyboard 4 including thekey switch device - As depicted in
FIG. 20 , in thekey switch device 7, for example, ananti-static layer 55 may be formed on the surface of themembrane sheet switch 18. Theanti-static layer 55 may be made of, for example, a surfactant or other known anti-static agent. Theanti-static layer 55 may be formed by, for example, applying the anti-static agent to the surface of themembrane sheet switch 18. In thiskey switch device 7, theanti-static layer 55 can act to suppress the generation of static electricity in thekeyboard 4. Theanti-static layer 55 can also act to disperse any static electricity generated in thekeyboard 4 into the atmosphere. As a result, it is possible to prevent the static electricity from flowing through the wiring patterns of themembrane sheet switch 18. It is also possible to reduce the occurrence of noise at the wiring patterns. Theanti-static layer 55 may be similarly incorporated in thekey switch devices 7 a to 7 e. - Further, in the
key switch device 7, for example, a conductive layer (not shown) may be formed on the surface of themembrane sheet switch 18, instead of the aforementionedanti-static layer 55. The conductive layer may be made of, for example, a paint of silver (Ag), carbon (C) or other conductive material. The conductive layer may be formed by, for example, applying a paint of a paste-like conductive material to the surface of themembrane sheet switch 18. In thiskey switch device 7, the conductive layer can function as a ground for themembrane sheet switch 18. Thus, the static electricity generated in thekeyboard 4 can flow through the conductive layer. As a result, it is possible to prevent the static electricity from flowing through the wiring patterns of themembrane sheet switch 18. It is also possible to reduce the occurrence of noise at the wiring patterns. The conductive layer may be similarly incorporated in thekey switch devices 7 a to 7 e. - As depicted in
FIG. 21 , in thekey switch device 7, for example, aconductive layer 56 may be formed on the surface of thethin film sheet 16. More specifically, theconductive layer 56 may be formed between the top surface of thethin film sheet 16 and the back surface of themembrane sheet switch 18. Theconductive layer 56 may be made of, for example, aluminum (Al), copper (Cu) or other conductive material. Theconductive layer 56 may be formed by, for example, applying a conductive material through a vapor depositing to the surface of thethin film sheet 16, or attaching a sheet with a conductive material applied thereto through a vapor depositing. In thiskey switch device 7, theconductive layer 56 can function as a ground for themembrane sheet switch 18. Thus, the static electricity generated in thekeyboard 4 can flow through theconductive layer 56. As a result, it is possible to prevent the static electricity from flowing through the wiring patterns of themembrane sheet switch 18. It is also possible to reduce the occurrence of noise at the wiring patterns. Theconductive layer 56 may be similarly incorporated in thekey switch devices 7 a to 7 e. Further, theconductive layer 56 may be used, for example, together with the aforementionedanti-static layer 55, and/or the aforementioned conductive layer formed on themembrane sheet switch 18. - While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the following claims.
Claims (13)
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
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JP2011-024312 | 2011-02-07 | ||
JP2011-130308 | 2011-06-10 | ||
JP2011130308A JP5911207B2 (en) | 2011-02-07 | 2011-06-10 | Key switch device and keyboard |
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US8779308B2 US8779308B2 (en) | 2014-07-15 |
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US (1) | US8779308B2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5911207B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN102629526B (en) |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US8779308B2 (en) | 2014-07-15 |
CN102629526B (en) | 2015-11-18 |
TWI579878B (en) | 2017-04-21 |
JP5911207B2 (en) | 2016-04-27 |
JP2012182107A (en) | 2012-09-20 |
TW201234398A (en) | 2012-08-16 |
CN102629526A (en) | 2012-08-08 |
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